Kalinga Stadium to Host India’s First National Indoor Athletics Championships

Bhubaneswar’s iconic Kalinga Stadium is set to host the inaugural National Indoor Athletics Championships in January 2026, marking a historic development in India’s athletics calendar. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced the introduction of indoor competitions for the first time in the country, focusing on expanding the domestic athletics ecosystem.

India’s First-Ever Indoor Athletics Event

AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo confirmed that the National Indoor Championships would be part of the 2026 domestic season. The indoor meet will feature key events such as the pole vault and heptathlon, showcasing India’s readiness to embrace international standards in athletics infrastructure. Bhubaneswar’s world-class indoor facility at Kalinga Stadium will serve as the venue for this pioneering edition.

Introducing Indoor Heptathlon and Pole Vault

The heptathlon for men will span two days and include seven disciplines—60m sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault, and 1,000m run. AFI’s decision to include multi-event indoor competitions reflects its aim to prepare Indian athletes for global indoor championships, including the 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, for which India has placed a bid.

Strengthening the 2026 Domestic Calendar

The AFI’s 2026 domestic athletics calendar will feature nearly 40 events nationwide. These include regional and national meets aimed at boosting participation and enhancing competitive exposure for emerging athletes. The federation’s focus on structured competitions is designed to align athlete preparation with major upcoming international events like the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The first National Indoor Athletics Championships will be held in January 2026.
• Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• Events include pole vault and men’s indoor heptathlon (7 disciplines).
• AFI’s 2026 calendar features around 40 athletics competitions.

Developing Regional Athletics Infrastructure

AFI plans to increase regional competitions across South and North Zones following their success this year. Over 15 venues, including the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation in Bengaluru, have been shortlisted. The move aims to reduce travel burdens and provide athletes with local opportunities for competition and growth. The introduction of indoor championships marks a crucial step in India’s journey toward modernising athletics and nurturing world-class talent.